2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 519 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 11 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bagsMay 21, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262557310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.
Campaign 26V325000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMar 19, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262549710. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Campaign 26V166000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 26, 2025
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.
Campaign 25V432000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorOct 10, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.
Campaign 24V756000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumOct 1, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Campaign 20V603000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
519 reports, newest first.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after the first failure and called the dealer; he was instructed to keep driving the vehicle and that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The second time, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer and the fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure occurred a third time. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local farm and called the manufacturer twice for roadside assistance. The vehicle was not towed to the dealer and remained on the farm. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Service brakes, Jan 22, 2022
2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 .1/20/22 slow driving in a parking lot, applied brake to slow down for a stopped vehicle and pedal was soft and went almost to the floor could have killed someone, this happened 3 times within 4 minutes Power Brake Assist warning came on, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. called local CHEVROLET dealer Jenkins Chevrolet of Homosassa service department told the manager that my truck was working right they said it was not involved in a recall my truck showed all the symptoms in this recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2022
When entering traffic, upon acceleration the truck stalls, and shutters. Going into traffic a vehicle had to maneuver to avoid collision with me. I took it to the dealer and they said transmission should get a flush and transmission oil was low. At 60,000 and out of warranty I paid for service and they said it was good now. it still continues. I can’t afford to take it in for service and pay again. From searching online customers state the dealer representatives all say it’s normal for truck to do that. Also, others say transmission (6l80) and/or torque converter is the problem. Again being without warranty I cannot afford to take it in and pay to just get that “it’s normal for the vehicle to do that.” A vehicle that stalls IS a hazard for the driver and for others on the road. Especially entering highways and heavy traffic streets. The main reason is we never know when it will stall or when it will accelerate what I believe is properly.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 19, 2022
10 degrees outside starter motor will freeze up and not want to start the truck. had 3 mechanics not a deal all look at it, tested the battery and came to the starter motor is defective. to have the starter replaced at the dealer for its under warranty.
Power train, Jan 8, 2022
The torque converter failed internally allowing the torque converter clutch to shudder. The fluid exchange has already been done on RO#587959. Vehicle had 40k when torque converter was replaced. Issue arouse after a road trip to Houston Tx and progressive more at various speeds. James Wood dealership replaced the torque converter since it was still under power train warranty. When I researched online, I realized that this is a common problem within the 2014-2018 Silverado models. I hope I that after the dealership replaced this defected part I don't experience additional mechanical issue related to this faulty part.
Steering, Jan 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the "steering assist reduced" and "service trailer brake" messages were displayed, and the steering wheel experienced a slight resistance while turning in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Power train, Jan 2, 2022
The transmission stopped working randomly on the highway after being driven for 45 minutes perfectly fine. Thankfully this happened near a stoplight so the traffic on the highway was going slower than normal otherwise it could have been very bad. Local mechanic confirmed that the transmission was no good and has ordered a replacement. There was no indication of the issue prior to the failure. No lights came on to indicate that there was an issue.
Power train, Jan 1, 2022
While driving this truck i get a severe shudder at various speeds and now its not shifting gears correctly. I have been told there is a big problem with these 6 speed transmissions ans torque convertors.
Electrical system, Dec 20, 2021
Circulating air does not engage, toxic fumes enter cabin. Almost causing me to black out, I have thrown up. Have complained,, but chevy calls this "usual or expected" Have read on forums that I'm not the only one dealing with this.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 17, 2021
Trailer Brake Service Warning
Service brakes, Dec 14, 2021
While coming to a stop at a traffic signal I experienced a sudden braking loss. The pedal began to vibrate and I noticed an extreme reduction in braking power. I then got a prompt on my dashboard saying “service brake assist.” I narrowly avoided the car in front of me while trying to stop. I contacted GM and they claim even though my year make and model are the same as vehicles being recalled my specific VIN# is not.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 12, 2021
Bought the truck new. Never towed a trailer till well after warranty. Service trailer brake light keeps coming on continuously. Then no trailer lights or trailer brakes. Found 2 blown fuses but now the same thing is happening again. After my research I found tons of information that lots of other people are having the same issues. I have not pulled my RV since because I'm worried about it not having brakes. It's quite large and without them this truck would not be able to stop in case of a quick emergency.
Engine, Dec 10, 2021
Vehicle will not start, starter is bad
Engine, Dec 7, 2021
Driving on highway 70 mph with out prior warning the truck begins to shake, backfire, lunging, loss of power, all the lights on the dash starting going crazy, cars behind me trying to avoid hitting me ,it wouldn't speed up, having a hard time getting it off the road and out of the way of highway traffic before getting rear ended by traffic behind me. The truck only has a little over 60000 miles on it which is just beyond the 60000 mile warranty, The truck lost compression because of a lifter failure in the motor. After this I have no interest in ever buying another Chevy product, If they cant build a motor that will last more than 3 years maybe they should rethink their future in the auto industry.
Exterior lighting, Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at night, there was an abnormal movement from the passenger side headlight causing a distraction. The contact veered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but the failure was unknown. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who replaced the headlight assembly however the failure persisted. The contact was concerned the failure may cause an accident. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
Engine, Nov 30, 2021
radiator crack. and also looks like previous years have the exact problem and have a special coverage done on them, Special Coverage Adjustment 15829 Radiator Leak #PI1513A Bulletin No.: PI1513F
Service brakes, Nov 30, 2021
My 2018 chevy silverado started making weird squeaky/popping sounds it almost sounds like something is rubbing against something else when stepping on the break pedal. When driving at any rate of speed the pedal seems to not make the squeaking noise but when I make a complete stop for example at a traffic light and let go of the break pedal and press again I can hear that noise loud and clear even passengers can hear it, Another example would be going in a drive thru of a restaurant that pretty much break pedal is used every 3 seconds as you pulling forward there the noise becomes constant every time stepping and letting go of the break pedal. My silverado has about 80,000 miles on it
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2021
Started vehicle and engine diagnostic displayed that the anti-lock braking system needs to be service, the power steering system needs to be serviced, parking assist needs to be serviced. This issued occurred one other time and a module needed to be replaced. This is the second time this has occurred in a year.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 22, 2021
Twice now GM has recalled the block heater for my truck. The first remedy did not fix the issue and had to be recalled again. This was back in July 2021. It is now the end of November 2021 and nothing more has been done. My truck requires a block heater in order to start in the upcoming cold months. This will make two years in a row I cannot use my truck when the temperatures fall below freezing. It directly affects my livelihood because I need a truck for work. What more can I do to speed this process up? How is it GM can still sell new diesel pickups with working block heaters, but are not required to fix the older diesel pickups?
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2021
Trailer brake system failure we noticed the sudden drainage of power resulting in death of battery multiple times alert was present after we notice the loss in voltage in battery to battery drainage after research I found that it is usually a short or a bad wiring harness which causes this and could pose a danger considering how I at one point in time have trilled things this could be an issue and a danger to others on the road
Steering, Nov 7, 2021
Power steering reduced
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2021
The engine gave out at 60k miles. Only covered buy the extended warranty I bought. the transmission thunks on downshifts. The exhaust adaptive valve started making a terrible noise at 40k miles. I took it to the dealership for them to tell me my extended warranty doesn't cover it and to buy an aftermarket exhaust because it would be too expensive to replace it. I think they quoted me at $1200
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2021
It started 400 miles after I bought the truck new and was on vacation with my family, the trailer break system lights started coming on so I detached my travel trailer and took it into a Chevrolet dealership in flagstaff Arizona they couldn’t find out why it was doing it and told me it must be the plug in the trailer it self . So on our trip we were driving threw Zion National Park when my trailer break did not engage down a steep grade and my truck break barley held enough to stop us down the grade , lucky for us the exhaust break gave us just that little bit to help us stop the truck. And now I see people on you tube showing the problem and wonder why GM has not done anything about it , I have paid many time for my truck to be fully serviced and I’m still dealing with this broken piece .
Air bags, Engine, Nov 2, 2021
On Saturday the check engine light came on then Sunday it flashed service restraint system soon dash lights came on clicked and lights stayed on about a memory then went off truck wouldn’t start on Sunday night no lights on dash worked
Service brakes, Oct 23, 2021
Brake pedal gets hard and you will need to step on the brake hard in order to brake.